ABSTRACT
We present an improved direct measurement of the parity-violation parameter A(b) in the Z boson-b-quark coupling using a self-calibrating track-charge technique applied to a sample enriched in Z-->bb events via the topological reconstruction of the B hadron mass. Manipulation of the Stanford Linear Collider electron-beam polarization permits the measurement of A(b) to be made independently of other Z-pole coupling parameters. From the 1996-1998 sample of 400,000 hadronic Z decays, produced with an average beam polarization of 73.4%, we find A(b)=0.906+/-0.022(stat)+/-0.023(syst).
ABSTRACT
The parity violation parameters A(b) and A(c) of the Zb(b) and Zc(c) couplings have been measured directly, using the polar angle dependence of the polarized cross sections at the Z(0) pole. Bottom and charmed hadrons were tagged via their semileptonic decays. Both the electron and muon analyses take advantage of new multivariate techniques to increase the analyzing power. Based on the 1993-1998 SLD sample of 550,000 Z(0) decays produced with highly polarized electron beams, we measure A(b) = 0.919+/-0.030(stat)+/-0.024(syst), and A(c) = 0.583+/-0.055(stat)+/-0.055(syst).
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To gain insight into family medicine residents' attitudes toward relocating to the United States and to examine factors influencing their decisions. DESIGN: Cross-sectional mailed survey. SETTING: University of Toronto family medicine program. PARTICIPANTS: First- and second-year residents in the academic year 1995 to 1996. A 74.6% response rate (144 of 193 residents) was achieved. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Intention to relocate to the United States. Degree of importance of 11 motivational factors in residents' decisions to relocate. RESULTS: In this survey, 48% of residents reported they intended to relocate to the United States, but only 17% recalled expecting to relocate before Ontario's introduction of geographic billing restriction legislation. Geographic billing restriction was the motivational factor most residents (86.8%) considered very important in their decision-making process. The two factors potentially predicting US relocation were finance and climate. CONCLUSIONS: Many factors influence family medicine residents' intention to relocate to the United States. Geographic billing restriction was the most significant motivational factor, and its introduction has likely precipitated a marked shift in residents' attitudes favouring US relocation.
